Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!
Chapter 839: Entering the Palace

Chapter 839: Chapter 839: Entering the Palace

At the residence of the Fifth Prince, the Crown Prince arrived first, followed by the Second Prince, Zhang Jingyang, and the Third Prince, Zhang Jingshi.

The Consort of the Fifth Prince, Yao Xin, had red-rimmed eyes full of bloodshot streaks, clearly having cried for a long time, as she kept vigil by her husband’s bedside. Yao Xin, looking at her still closed-eyed husband, felt a myriad of emotions.

Wiping her eyes with a handkerchief, Yao Xin recalled how since the beginning of her marriage, her husband had never shown her a kind face. She had resigned herself to it and became the most inconspicuous consort among the princes’ wives, to the point where even the servants and maids in the mansion looked down on her.

When did things start to change? She vividly remembered one night when her husband suddenly came to her, and though he said nothing, changes began to appear, bit by bit. As these changes accumulated, she found herself holding her husband more dearly in her heart.

Her husband was someone who would talk in his sleep, a fact known only to her; he might not even be aware of it himself.

Raising her hand, Yao Xin touched her husband’s pallid face, and tears once again began to fall.

Zhang Jinghong opened his eyes to see the heartbroken Yao Xin weeping before him, a hint of helplessness in his gaze. His affection for Yao Xin had grown little by little during times of mutual consolation. Though not deep, it was enough for him to regard Yao Xin as his wife. "Stop crying," he said.

Joy flashed in Yao Xin’s eyes, "You’ve finally woken up."

Outside the chamber, the Crown Prince and the others heard the commotion, but the Crown Prince remained seated, unmoving.

Zhang Jingyang wanted to go inside to check, knowing that Zhang Jinghong had been carried out of the palace, and considering the rumors about the real and fake Fifth Prince, the capital was rife with speculation. He was more concerned about the nature of Zhang Jinghong’s serious injuries; had he not seen it with his own eyes, he might have thought it was all an act.

Zhang Jingshi looked over at the Crown Prince, who had been in the palace all along and certainly knew something. But no matter how he tried to probe indirectly, the Crown Prince refused to speak.

The next morning, Zhou Shuren dressed and while eating, saw the adoring gaze of his grandson. The innocence of children made Zhou Shuren quite proud. "Do you like the official’s robe?" he asked.

Jiang Zhu appeared somewhat embarrassed, "I do, but I like it even more when Grandfather wears it."

Zhulan covered her mouth with a handkerchief to conceal a smile at the sight of such an avid little fan, Zhou Shuren’s number one admirer.

It should be noted that even his own son, Chang Zhong, had joked that his father didn’t carry off official robes well.

Although Zhou Shuren had thick skin, he couldn’t lie against his conscience and say he looked sharp in official robes. Now he actually felt a bit embarrassed.

Chang Lian gave a thumbs-up to his eldest nephew, impressed. It was the first time he saw his brother unable to maintain his usual presence.

Jiang Zhu, a little confused, looked at his third uncle; he had only spoken the complete truth, so why was everyone giving him such looks? And his second uncle, why did he look as if there was something wrong with how he saw things?

Zhulan coughed, "All right, let’s have breakfast."

Chang Lian was about to inquire about his eldest nephew’s opinion of him, but seeing his nephew’s gaze constantly following his father, he didn’t dare to ask, afraid he might be disheartened by the response.

After breakfast at the Zhou residence, Zhou Shuren went off to the government office, and the various households dispersed.

Zhulan took Jiang Zhu aside, "Your grandmother has chosen a young servant for you, who will attend to you closely from now on. Look at these three before you and pick the one you feel most comfortable with."

Originally, Zhulan had chosen the young servant herself, but due to Jiang Zhu’s personality, she suddenly replaced him with a different selection, ending with the current three, all of whom were newly purchased that year, around thirteen or fourteen years old.

Blinking his eyes, Jiang Zhu said, "Grandmother, you’ve already arranged for nannies and servants in my little courtyard."

Zhulan smiled, "What I arranged are those who clean the yard. The servant we’re discussing now will be by your side at all times."

Jiang Zhu wanted to say he didn’t need one, but remembering his mother’s words that he should listen to his maternal grandparents, especially his grandmother, he looked earnestly at the three individuals before him. After stepping closer and inspecting them once more, he pointed to the one in the middle, "Grandmother, I choose him."

Zhulan said, "This is Lin Ba, named for being the eighth child in his family. He kept his name after coming to our mansion, and now he’s yours to command."

Lin Ba was thrilled; all the young lords of the Zhou family had servants by their side, and the mansion’s rules were strict. Recently purchased servants like himself had to slowly work their way up. As the personal servant to the young master, he wouldn’t have to struggle up the ranks slowly. "I’ve met the young master. Please bestow a name upon me," he said.

Jiang Zhu replied, "There’s no need to change your name."

Lin Ba responded, "Yes."

Zhulan gestured for everyone to leave, and after the young servants had departed, she asked her grandson, "Why did you choose Lin Ba?"

Jiang Zhu explained, "I thought he looked industrious from his hands."

Zhulan looked at old lady Song, who nodded, "Among the three, he indeed is the most hardworking."

Zhulan encouraged him, "Your judgment is good, you picked the right one straight away."

Jiang Zhu was happy, feeling like he had accomplished something significant.

Zhulan looked at her grandson, who still couldn’t hide his emotions, and smiled. He was still a child, which also showed that the Jiang family had a good life in the Zhou family’s village, and Jiang Zhu had been well protected. ’

But her grandson would have to support the Jiang family one day, and he must grow up. After thinking for a while, she said, "Go find your fourth uncle, let him take you around for a walk."

Now Chang Zhi had matured a lot. With Chang Zhi taking Jiang Zhu with him, she felt reassured.

At the Hanlin Academy, Chang Lian saw Shen Yang as soon as he entered the room. Today’s Shen Yang was different; although his complexion wasn’t great, he seemed in good spirits. He had thought Shen Yang would be cooped up at home!

Shen Yang’s eyes were too bright, and he was someone who couldn’t hide his feelings. It was obvious at a glance that he had some great happiness.

Chang Lian asked Lv Liang, "What’s going on?"

Lv Liang was also baffled, "I don’t know either. Shen Yang has been greeting everyone today."

Chang Lian frowned, "This is too unusual."

Lv Liang lowered his voice, "Yes, I’m starting to wonder if there’s something wrong with his head."

Chang Lian was silent. He didn’t think there was something wrong with Shen Yang’s head; he felt that something must have changed Shen Yang.

Chang Lian glanced involuntarily at Shi Qing and saw that Shi Qing looked calm. He felt somewhat relieved and pulled Lv Liang to sit down, "Let’s not bother with him."

Lv Liang was somewhat unwilling to let it go. He wanted to know why, especially with the rumors about the real and fake princes circulating. Shen Yang’s behavior was too unusual.

In the residence of the Fifth Prince, Zhang Jinghong drank his medicinal soup. Although his head felt a bit groggy, he was relieved at heart. After listening to the Guard’s report, he stared straight at the Guard.

The Guard felt uncomfortable under his gaze, "Does Your Highness have any other orders?"

Zhang Jinghong said distantly, "In a few days, you won’t need to follow me anymore."

The Guard understood what he was saying. His identity had been exposed, moving from behind the scenes to the foreground, "Without orders, I must still follow Your Highness."

Zhang Jinghong closed his eyes and waved his hand, truly not wanting to see the Guard anymore.

Yao Xin carried in the porridge, and seeing her husband with his eyes closed, she was startled, "Call the Imperial Physician."

Zhang Jinghong hurriedly opened his eyes, "I’m alright, there’s no need for the Imperial Physician."

He was just closing his eyes to calculate how much of his wealth he could take with him, and the houses he would live in later. He had bought two properties, both not very large, both with two courtyards.

Yao Xin took a cloth and wiped her husband’s forehead, "You really scared me to death."

Zhang Jinghong grinned, "It’s through several visits to the brink of death that I can break away from it."

Yao Xin thought of her husband’s delirious talk; she understood and held her husband’s hand, "You’ll surely be safe and sound in the future."

"Mm."

In the Hanlin Academy, the scholars’ room exploded with commotion, all because Shen Yang had entered the palace.